96GB embedded Flash Memory for up to 40 hours of recordingThe built-in 96GB embedded Flash memory can record and store up to 40 hours of high definition video footage (HD LP mode).

Manual Control (Iris/Shutter/Exposure/White Balance)Get the most out of your camcorder with enhanced manual controls. The assignable dial allows for control of focus, exposure, white balance, iris, and shutter speed.

CinemaTone presets and 24p recording for cinematic quality videoFor extra control over image expression, CinemaTone technology is used to deepen the color and recreate film-like color tones. Combined with 24p recording, you'll have some of the tools you need to fulfill your need for cinematic expression.

Advanced controls with expanded focus, zebra, and peakingThe HDR-CX700V provides advanced capture and control features that are often considered the domain of professional cameras including expanded focus for precise manual focus control, zebra and peaking for precision focus and exposure adjustments.

Tracking Focus follows selected subjectsTracking Focus works as an extension of Face Detection to allow you to select an object with a touch of the LCD and have the focus follow the selected object.

5.1ch Surround mic for vivid and dynamic surround sound.Dolby Digital 5.1 channel recording captures active sounds coming from all directions, so you can experience your home movies the way you experienced them while recording.

Wind noise reduction for clear voice recordingWind Reduction reduces noise and interference that is produced when wind passes over the microphone, giving you a clearer and more enjoyable sound experience.

Active Interface Shoe to attach intelligent accessoriesThe Active Interface Shoe lets you mount Intelligent Accessories, such as external lights and microphones, which can help extend the capabilities of your camcorder.

Event Browse groups photos/videos for you for easy referenceEvent Browse conveniently groups your images and videos together for easier viewing. The date range that Event Browse groups your pictures and videos is easily adjusted to suit your needs. When used with the Highlight Playback feature, making and sharing a highlight reel from your event is easy and fun.

Highlight Playback creates movies with transitions for youWhy spend hours editing your movies when you can let your camcorder do it for you? Highlight Playback identifies and compiles key scenes into a short, entertaining movie complete with music and transitions. You can even pinpoint the exact scene you want to include in the highlight reel.

Geotagging with built-in GPS receiver & NAVTEQ mapsA built-in GPS receiver7 makes the HDR-CX700V an ideal choice for travelers. The receiver gives you the ability to view your current location on the LCD map display, as well as "tag" your shooting locations. Tagged videos and still images can be reviewed and played back using the Map Index function on the camcorder or once downloaded to your PC using the supplied PMB (Picture Motion Browser) software9. Additionally, the receiver automatically adjusts your camcorder's clock to the proper time zone.

Direct Copy to external HDD without PCStore your memories in a whole new way with the ability to copy videos from your camcorder directly to an external hard disk drive (sold separately), all without a computer. Your camcorder can also access videos stored on the external hard drive for playback on your HDTV, allowing you to utilize the camcorder's handy playback features.

Built-in USB cable for easy file transfer/chargeThe high-speed, built-in USB 2.0 cable allows for easy connection to your computer for charging or file transfer without having to remember separate cables. It also fits conveniently into the hand strap so it's out of the way until you need it.

Golf ShotBuilding on the slow-motion capture capabilities of Smooth Slow Record, Golf Shot captures a few seconds of motion as a sequence of up to 22 still images, which can be viewed/printed individually or as a composite "sequence shot" image, perfect for analyzing the nuances of a golf swing, tennis serve, and other fast action.

Built-in FlashThe built-in flash will help you shed light on your subjects when shooting still images, giving you more flexibility when capturing memories.

Pros: Good in Low Light, Great Picture Quality, Zoom range/performance, Good Image Stabilization, Great Sound, Great Zoom, Easy to Use, Large Clear LCD

Cons:

Other Comments: It's great to finally have a camera that does not break down every other week; now I see why Sony has gone from tape-driven cams to hard-drive cams; less moving parts to go wrong. My work in the legal field depends on a high-quality working camera - at all times - with no technical problems and my new Sony AVCHDR-CX-700V is doing the job. It's like finally getting a new car that I can depend on, and no-longer that nervous feeling - worry - about the car will make it where I need to go. My purchase with Beach Camera is well worth the money spent, and I recommend others to purchase from Beach - a trusted source for business and personal electronics.

Other Comments: Only had it a week before I went backpacking with it. So, I was a little rusty on the instructions. I think some of my problems will be worked out with use. I can read instructions but they don't mean much until I try it out so had to consult the manual considerably on the trip. Haven't tried editing yet so am hopeful I'll see considerable quality improvement over my digital 8.

Other Comments: I bought this camera for the GPS and the viewfinder. I wanted the Geo-tagging feature for my trip to Kenya. Knowing I would be outside I knew I needed the view finder. I did buy this sight unseen. The previous model was discontinued and this one became available online just before my trip. Save your money, buy the next model down that doesn't have these features. Or better yet, look at another brand. This is my fourth and last Sony Camcorder. I was pleased with the first 3.
The GPS can take 5 to 10 minutes to lock outdoors for the first time in the day even though it was locked the previous evening. If you shut down the camera and immediately re-start the camera it can take 1 to 2 minutes to re lock. If you travel from New York to Kenya it can take a day to relock in spite of manually telling the camera where you are. The built in maps have no detail for Kenya or Tanzania.
Knowing that the LCD screen will wash out in outdoor light, I wanted a viewfinder. The view finder feels like it is going to fall out each time you use it. The little focus wheel to adjust the view finder will move without being touched and has to be reset each time you use the view finder.
If you accidently touch the manual focus knob located at the front of the camera, the screen will blackout with an info message for 10 seconds. I haven't found a way to disable this.
The ability to write data to an external drive is limited. The camera requires a special cable to connect to the external drive. The drive has to be formatted to fat32 which limits the size of drive you can use. Even so the selection of drives you can use is limited. The built in USB cable is flimsy and falls out of its socket frequently.
The touch screen uses old resistive technology it seems. It is really a push very hard with a sharp object screen.
The camera does take very good still and movies.
Conclusion: Buy a lesser camera so that fewer things will fail to work.

Other Comments: Main use is for sporting events. Great at keeping subject in focus despite rapid movement. True HD video looks great. Almost gave 4 stars due to lack of compatibility with Mac OS systems. But I was warned before purchase and problem should be solved soon.

Cons: Viewfinder does stay set, Does not support Mac, GPS does not work on Mac

Other Comments: I owned the previous HandyCam and needed a replacement. This new HandyCam HDR-CX700V lacks the Intermittent Record time lapse for recording moving clouds et cetera and the inability to be used as a WebCam as did my old Handy Cam. I also miss the ability to customize a Personal Menu of my most used camera operations/settings. Activation of GPS CANNOT happen if you own a Mac computer. The viewfinder needs to be reset every time it is used [I contacted Sony about this] Other than these this is a superior piece of equipment that contains many new functions missing from the old HandyCam and overall exceeded my expectations. I recommend this HandyCam for its high quality and ease of use.